If you’re a high school student in D.C., it makes sense to use your summer to build a practical skillset for future internships and research projects. Summer programs in the region are one of the easiest ways to do that. Summer programs give you a chance to explore fields like policy, medicine, STEM, and the arts while working with professionals, mentors, or college faculty.
If you’re planning to study any of these subjects in college, this kind of experience can help strengthen your resume. It also gives you material to write about in your college essays or scholarship applications. Since D.C. is home to top universities, hospitals, and national organizations, you’ll find plenty of solid programs nearby. For students already living in D.C., choosing a local option can also help you save on travel and housing.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.!
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in D.C.
1. Howard University School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs
Location: Howard University, Washington, D.C. (in-person, residential)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Sunday, July 13 – Friday, July 18
Application Deadline: Early: March 1; Regular: April 1
Eligibility: High school students entering 11th or 12th grade with strong grades and recommendations
Howard University’s School of Business runs a free, week-long summer program for high school students interested in Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, or Entrepreneurship. You’ll live on campus, take part in business challenges, and attend classes taught by faculty. Each track helps you build skills in math, data analysis, teamwork, and communication. You’ll work on group projects that apply what you learn to real-world problems and also join site visits and cultural activities. The Actuarial Science track requires a math teacher recommendation.
2. Georgetown Lombardi High School Summer Research Volunteer Program
Location: Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ by June 23
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center offers an 8-week full-time volunteer program where you’ll work in a research lab focused on cancer biology. You’ll assist scientists, postdocs, and grad students on active projects in areas like tumor immunology, human genetics, and clinical therapeutics. You’ll attend weekly seminars, join lab meetings, and present your work, getting firsthand experience with research methods and lab collaboration.
3. Community of Scholars at American University
Location: American University, Washington, D.C. (hybrid format)
Cost: $3,786 tuition + $2,150 room and program fees; $300 nonrefundable deposit
Program Dates: July 7–18 (on campus); July 21–25 (online)
Application Deadline: June 25 (final extended deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders with minimum 3.0 GPA
American University’s School of International Service runs a hybrid pre-college program where you’ll earn three college credits while exploring global affairs. You’ll spend two weeks on campus attending morning classes and joining afternoon site visits to government agencies and international organizations. In the third week, you’ll complete your coursework and final project online. You’ll study with students from different countries, meet faculty, and get a closer look at careers in diplomacy, public policy, and international development. Housing, meals, and transportation are included for residential students. There’s also a commuter option.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research experience where you work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor on a project of your choice. You’ll build a research paper by the end of the program and get direct exposure to how academic research works. You can choose topics in psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. The program runs online and offers multiple start dates throughout the year.
5. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by the program. Need-based financial aid is available
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. If you’re just starting, the AI Scholars program is a 10-session boot camp that teaches you the basics of AI, machine learning, and data science. You’ll also work on a group project using real-world datasets.
If you already have some background, the AI Fellowship is a more advanced option. You’ll work one-on-one with a mentor from a top university on an individual AI project. Veritas also has an in-house team that helps you publish your work in high school research journals. You can find examples of past projects on their website.
6. AU High School Summer Scholars Program
Location: Online (asynchronous)
Cost: $1,004 per course
Program Dates: June 16–July 11; June 23–July 18
Application Deadline: June 12 (Session I); June 19 (Session II)
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders with minimum 3.0 GPA
American University’s High School Summer Scholars Program lets you take flexible, online college courses in subjects like psychology, law, neuroscience, and diplomacy. Each course is fully asynchronous and earns one college credit. You’ll learn through pre-recorded lectures, discussion boards, and weekly assignments on AU’s Canvas platform, with about 5–10 hours of work per week. Faculty hold virtual office hours for support, and all materials are included. You can also request to take more than one course if you want to explore multiple subjects.
7. Caminos al Futuro – George Washington University
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C. (residential)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 3–19
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders committed to the Hispanic/Latino community
Caminos al Futuro is a fully funded three-week summer program at George Washington University for rising seniors who want to support and lead change in the Hispanic/Latino community. You’ll live on campus, take part in college-level classes, and join visits to policy organizations and government agencies across D.C. The program includes lectures, writing labs, community action projects, and leadership training. You’ll also get college admissions support through dedicated workshops.
8. Engineering New Frontiers Institute – George Washington University
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C. (residential)
Cost: $1,800
Program Dates: July 21–25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders
George Washington University’s Engineering New Frontiers Institute is a weeklong residential program. It gives high school students hands-on experience across core engineering fields like biomedical, mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer science. You’ll take part in lab experiments, design workshops, coding sessions, and prototyping activities led by GW faculty. The program also includes outings around D.C. tied to engineering and technology.
9. SEGL Summer Institute in Washington
Location: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. (residential)
Cost: Not specified. Financial aid available
Program Dates: June 28 – August 9
Application Deadline: February 15 (priority deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders
The SEGL Summer Institute is a six-week residential program in Washington, D.C. that focuses on ethics, leadership, and public policy. You’ll build skills in public speaking, teamwork, and decision-making while working on real-world issues. During the program, you’ll complete three major projects: an ethical credo, a group policy memo, and a social venture plan. You’ll also take part in local trips, student-led activities, and leadership sessions. Housing and meals are fully provided, and you’ll stay just blocks from the U.S. Supreme Court and Capitol.
10. Model United Nations Institute at Georgetown University
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Day Camp: $1,699; Overnight Camp: $3,049
Program Dates: Day Camp: July 7–11; Overnight Camp: June 29–July 3, July 6–12
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (limited seats available)
Eligibility: High School (ages 14–17) students
The Model United Nations Institute at Georgetown University is a summer program where you’ll build skills in public speaking, debate, and global problem-solving through real-time UN simulations and workshops. You’ll take part in activities like resolution writing, speaking labs, and improv sessions, all led by experienced MUN mentors. The program is open to both new and experienced delegates and gives you a chance to experience college life while strengthening your leadership and diplomacy skills.
11. George Washington University Pre-College Summer Immersion
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Residential: $4,850; Commuter: $4,250
Program Dates: June 22 – July 4; July 6 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
George Washington University’s Pre-College Summer Immersion is a two-week, full-day program where you’ll explore subjects like medicine, psychology, law, foreign policy, and biomedical engineering. Each course combines lectures with hands-on activities and site visits across D.C.. You’ll learn from GW faculty and professionals, visit local institutions, and take part in events that help you prepare for college. Outside of class, you’ll join organized outings around the city with other students.
12. Georgetown University Summer College
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $2,207 per credit
Program Dates: Session I: June 1 – July 3; Session II: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors (10th–12th grade); 3.0 GPA minimum
Georgetown’s Summer College lets you take five- or eight-week courses for college credit alongside current undergraduates. You can choose from subjects like government, international affairs, psychology, and more. Courses include lectures, discussions, and guest speakers to give you a strong academic experience. You can join classes either on campus in D.C. or online from home. At the end, you’ll earn an official Georgetown transcript and build skills that can support your future college plans.
13. NYLF: National Security – Cyber, Diplomacy, Intelligence & Defense
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $4,395 (includes tuition, room & board, site visits, materials, and college credit)
Program Dates: July 6–13; July 20–27
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (90% full as of July)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12); no GPA cutoff listed
The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): National Security is an eight-day program held at Georgetown University where you’ll explore careers in intelligence, diplomacy, cybersecurity, and defense. You’ll visit key sites like the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security and take part in hands-on simulations based on real-world scenarios. You’ll also meet policy professionals and practice decision-making in high-stakes situations. The program includes an option to earn college credit through George Mason University.
14. Georgetown Medical Immersion Academy
Location: Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $8,410 (residential); $6,355 (commuter)
Program Dates: June (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders; international students welcome
The Georgetown Medical Immersion Academy is a two-week summer program where you’ll experience what it’s like to be a medical student. Held at Georgetown University Medical Center, the program covers subjects like cardiology, endocrinology, immunology, and cell biology. You’ll take part in hands-on training sessions in CPR, wound care, suturing, and airway management. The program also includes field visits and guest lectures that introduce you to different medical careers, from emergency medicine to pediatrics. You’ll complete a research-based poster project and leave with a certificate and a better understanding of the clinical field.
15. PALS at Georgetown University
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $2,200 (early bird); $2,450 (regular)
Program Dates: July 26 – August 2
Application Deadline: Rolling; early bird ends May 31
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
PALS (Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit) at Georgetown is a one-week leadership and college prep program that helps you turn your interests into real civic action. You’ll join workshops on public speaking, emotional intelligence, digital advocacy, and ethical leadership. You’ll also work on group projects focused on social issues, earn 50 certified service hours, and become eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Georgetown University